During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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